The sprawling sports center is partially tucked into a hillside and topped with a massive green roof that allows it to blend into the surrounding park – a mainstay for outdoor recreation. This landscaped space also controls rainwater runoff and insulates the building, which combined with the translucent facade that permits daylight to penetrate the interior slashes the facility’s (no doubt hefty) energy load.

In addition to providing a landmark destination for sporting activities, the Belfort center provides a link to the Vosges Mountains and Belfort Castle. At night it remains lit up when events are underway, creating something of a “beacon” or “lighthouse” for the urban community.